Vascular Dilator with Segmented Taper and Safety Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular access methods, particularly the Seldinger technique, are challenging and hazardous due to the need for multiple instruments and steps, which complicate access in emergency settings and increase the risk of vascular injury.
Innovation Solution
A novel vascular dilator apparatus featuring a 0.35″ wire, a locking safety mechanism, and a malleable dilator with angled segments that provide tactile and visual feedback for accurate dilation, along with a safety sheath to protect both the patient and caregiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple instruments and steps are used for vascular access, then the procedure can be completed, but the complexity of the procedure increases and the risk of vascular injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments (dilator, cutter, wire guide) into a single integrated vascular access device. The dilator includes an integrated cutter at its distal end and a lumen that guides the wire, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The dilator is divided into segmented sections with different diameters, allowing stepwise dilation through measured segments. This segmentation provides tactile and visual feedback while maintaining a controlled, systematic approach to vascular access that reduces injury risk without requiring multiple separate instruments
2Productivity
If multiple instruments are used for vascular access, then the procedure can be completed, but the time required for the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cutter, dilator, and wire guide into a single device, the patent eliminates the time required to retrieve, prepare, and coordinate multiple separate instruments. The integrated design allows all functions to be performed in a single continuous motion, significantly reducing procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter is pre-positioned at the distal end of the dilator before insertion, and the wire path is pre-configured through the dilator lumen. This preliminary arrangement of all components eliminates setup time during the procedure and allows immediate execution of the vascular access sequence
3Ease of operation
If a single integrated dilator is used, then the procedure complexity is reduced, but the precision of dilation measurement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator is divided into multiple segmented sections, each with a specific diameter and length. These segments provide tactile feedback as they pass through tissue, allowing the operator to precisely measure dilation depth and diameter. Visual markers on the segments further enhance measurement precision while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the dilator have different diameters and properties optimized for specific depths of insertion. This local variation in quality allows precise control and measurement at each stage of dilation while maintaining overall procedural simplicity through the integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
An improved vascular access dilator apparatus consisting of a wire, a blade with a locking safety mechanism, and a malleable, tapered dilator having a lumen just large enough to accommodate said wire sliding easily in and out. The tapering of said dilator being accomplished by and improved by the joining of straight dilator segments (that decrease in diameter in the direction of the tip of the dilator) by angled segments located between each straight segment. In one embodiment, A safety sheath covers the blade once an incision in the dermis is made, thereby protecting both the patient and caregiver.